High intensity lamp with magnetic suction-cup supporting means



June 13, 1967 H. KING HIGH INTENSITY LAMP WITH MAGNETIC SUCTION-CUP SUPPORTING MEANS Filed March 17, 1965 INVENTOR. ZEOA/ARD H K/NG United States Patent HIGH ENTENSITY LAMP WHTH MA'GNETKC SUCTHUN-CUP SUPPURTHNG llfEANS Leonard H. King, 67 Southgate Road, Valley Stream, FLY. 11581 Fitted Mar. 17, W65, der. No. 440,550 8 Claims. ((11. 240-5215) ABSTRACT 0F THE DISCLUSURE A lightweight high intensity lamp structure having vacuum cup means to temporarily secure same to planar surfaces and a vacuum cup composed of a flexible magnetic material is disclosed.

This invention relates generally to miniature high intensity lamps and more particularly to improved mounting means and bases therefor.

Small high intensity lamps are currently very popular. In general, they are comprised of a base portion containing a Stepdown transformer which is plugged into the usual household 115 v. source, a movable, articulated arm secured at one of its ends to the base, and a shade member secured to the other end of the arm. The shade contains a socket for a 6 v. automobile-type bulb which is in electrical connection with the transformer by means of conductors disposed within the arm. Thus a small 32 cp. lamp is capable of providing a confined beam having the equivalent illumination of a conventional ZOO-watt bulb. The light is substantially pure white and glare-free.

Many design variations and combinations of the above elements are currently on the market. Each design features a swivel shade and/or some form of universal joint or joints between the shade and the base so that the beam of light may readily be concentrated in a small area. Another basic consideration common to all the lamps is smallness and accordingly, every effort is made to minimize the size of each element. However, in order to stabilize the lamp and permit it to sit on a flat, horizontal surface, the transformer is included as part of the base. The weight of the transformer is therefore utilized to steady the lamp and to some extent immobilize it even though it is readily portable.

The present invention removes the transformer from the base, places it in the line cord in proximity to the wall plug, and provides improved means for removably mounting the lamp to any horizontal, vertical, or inclined surface regardless of its composition. The mounting means, in one embodiment, is comprised of a permanent magnet disposed Within a suction cup so that the lamp may readily be mounted on a surface of ferrous material as well as a smooth nonferrous surface such as glass, plastic, etc. Because of the improved mounting means, it is obvious that the mounting surface need not be mutilated by drilling to accommodate mounting hardware. Further, the lamp may be positioned say, on the underside of a shelf and then moved, when desired, to a vertical wall. In either case, the lamp is readily moved without marring the surface on which it is seated. The aforementioned locations may prove highly desirable if the desk space is limited or the addition of a lamp, however small, would be inconvenient.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide improved mounting means for a high intensity, portable lamp of the type described.

Another object is to provide a relatively lightweight combination base and mounting means for a compact, high intensity lamp. An additional object is to provide a high intensity portable lamp having the transformer therefor disposed proximate a male plug for attachment to a power supply.

A further object is to provide a base portion comprised of a permanent magnet on the arm of a high intensity lamp whereby the lamp may be removably mounted on a ferrous surface.

A still further object is to provide a base portion comprised of a suction cup on the arm of a high intensity lamp whereby the lamp may be removably mounted on either a ferrous or a nonferrous surface.

Another object is to provide a base portion comprised of a permanent magnet disposed within a suction cup, the combination base portion being adapted to pivotally support a high intensity lamp having a remote transformer whereby the lamp may be removably mounted on either a ferrous or a nonferrous surface.

These and other features, objects and advantages of the invention will, in part, be pointed out with particularity and will, in part, become obvious from more detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing which forms an integral part thereof.

In the various figures of the drawing, like reference characters designate like parts.

In the drawing:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial view illustrating one embodiment of the present invention removably positioned on a vertical wall;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary view in cross section of the improved base portion of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 illustrating the mounting means attached to a mounting surface;

FIG. 4 is a sectional plan view illustrating an alternative embodiment of the improved lamp mounting means;

FIG. 5 is a pictorial view showing another arrangement of mounting means employing the concept of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of still another embodiment of the present invention wherein the lamp and bulb socket are rotatably and pivotally secured directly to the improved base; and

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, schematic view of one form of flexible magnet that may be used for the suction cup that comprises the base portion of the present invention.

Referring now to the drawing and in particular to FIG. 1, the improved lamp assembly lit) is seen to comprise a base portion 12, an arm having two sections 14a and 14b, a socket 15, and a shade 16. A 6 v. automobiletype bulb 18 is releasably secured in the socket. Swivel joints 2t), 21 and 22 positioned between the shade and the arm, between the two sections of the arm, and the arm and the base, respectively, provide mobility for the shade so that the light may be focused on a particular spot. Line cord 24 extends through arm sections 14a and Mbso that the inner conductors thereof are in electrical contact with both the bulb and a male plug 26 at the other end. Stepdown transformer 28 is disposed intermediate the terminus of the line cord and the male plug, the transformer being in electrical connection with both elements so that the plug may be inserted in a conventional wall receptacle R.

FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 illustrate one form of small, compact and lightweight mounting means that may readily be employed with a lamp of the type described hereinabove. It should be understood, however, that while a combination base is illustrated, either one or both of the holding means may be used.

Base portion 12 is comprised of a resilient body 30 having a concave inner face 32 which defines a suction cup. The central portion of the inner suction cup inner face is preferably thicker than the peripheral portion so that a magnet assembly may be secured thereto either by a suitable adhesive or by co-molding. The magnet assembly is comprised of a cup-shaped circular shell 34 and a circular, permanent magnet 36 secured therein. Universal joint 38 may also be included or the arm may be rigidly secured to the rearward surface of the base member 12.

Magnet 36 is slightly smaller in diameter than the shell and is positioned so that in operation its face Will be parallel to the steel surface to which it is to be attached, thus making maximum use of magnetic forces of attraction. Shell 34- may be formed by stamping a suitable grade of steel whereby the shell serves as the pole piece for the magnet and concentrates the magnetic field for better adhesion. With regard to the magnet, it has been found that a fiat, disc-shaped configuration will provide an air space for the flux path which is completed by the steel of the supporting member (e.g., a steel shelf, desk surface, or upright bracket). Alternatively, the suction cup may be formed of so-called rubber magnet material such as shown schematically in FIG. 7. The magnet is a dispersion of magnetic material 37 in vinyl, rub-oer or other rubberlike material 39.

The arrangement described hereinabove permits a lamp to be mounted on any surface regardless of its plane. Additionally, the lamp may be removably attached to the underside of a shelf that is placed over a desk or other work surface. Thus no working area is lost on the desk and moreover, it is less likely that the lamp Will accidentally be struck, knocked over and broken. When used on a steel support surface, the magnet and suction cup cooperate with each other. Thus if there is a diminution of holding power of one of the two means, the other one will act as a supplement. This is particularly true on a vertical or inclined surface where there would naturally be a tendency for slippage of either mounting means by itself. It should be noted in this connection that the elimination of the transformer from the base substantially reduces the weight of the lamp to further minimize the likelihood of slipping and permit the use of small magnets.

In FIG. 4, an alternative mounting arangement is shown. Therein a plurality of mounting means 40 in the form of combination suction cups and magnets are used. In principle, they are substantially the same as those described in the previous embodiment. However, since a plurality are used they may each be smaller than. base portion 12 in FIG. 2 and still provide an equivalent holding power. The mounting means are joined to each other, for example, by a triangular spider made from small diameter tubing or rod 42. A simple triangular plate spanning the mounting means may also be employed. Hollow arm 44, shown triangular in shape by way of example, is pivotally and rotatably secured to the mounting means support in any conventional manner. It should be understood that in this embodiment too, each of the holding means may be either a suction cup alone, a magnet assembly alone, or a combination of both. When the combination configuration is used, the holding powers of the suction cup and the magnet assembly are greater than that of the total of the individual elements.

FIG. illustrates another embodiment of a high intensity lamp utilizing the mounting means of the present invention. In this instance, tubular legs 50, 52 and 54, each comprised of telescoping sections, serve as means to mount suction cups 56 which may or may not contain magnet assemblies as the particular situation warrants. A variety of configurations may be achieved by furnishing universal joints between each suction cup and its respective telescoping leg. Additionally, the lampshade 57 containing the bulb in its socket 57a may be secured directly at the upper juncture of the support legs together with a universal joint or another length of tubing could be used as a support for the lampshade, the upper portion of the arm having a universal joint. This embodiment finds utility in those applications where rigidity and accuracy of light focus is critical, such as in table top, close-up photograph. Transformer 58 is remotely located proximate the wall plug 59.

Still another even more compact arrangement (FIG. 6) is available with the use of the present invention. A lamp 6% is comprised only of an externally insulated socket 62, a 6 v. bulb 64- having a reflective coating 65 either inside or outside the envelope, and a universal joint 66- which pivotally and rotatably couples the socket directly to mounting means 70. In this embodiment, the line cord 72 terminates at one end within the socket. The transformer l4- and male plug 76 are at the opposite ends of the line cord. The connecting arm is eliminated entirely thus making the unit extremely compact and mobile. As decribed before, the mounting means may be either a single suction cup, a permanent magnet assembly, or a combination of both. Seat 78 for universal joint 66 may be formed in the rearward surface of the mounting means during its fabrication. Because of its extremely small siZe and low weight, this embodiment lends itself to use in those areas where space is at a premium. Alternatively, a shade may be provided with the socket of this embodiment.

All of the embodiments described hereinabove have improved mounting means for high intensity lamps. By removing the transformer from the base and placing it proximate the wall plug, the lamp is made light enough so that it is supportable by either a suction cup, a permanent magnet assembly or if desired, a combination of both mounting means. The light lamp weight in combination with the improved mounting means permits placement of the lamp on all types of surfaces whether they are rought or smooth, vertical, inclined or horizontal, and ferrous or nonferrous. The work surface is therefore maintained free of the lamp since it could be mounted on a wall or beneath a shelf. No installation is required, the mounting surface will not be marred in any way, and none of the lamps mobility is sacrificed. Still another embodiment described above reduces both the size and weight of an already small lamp be eliminating the shade-support ing arm.

The two elements in the improved lamp base cooperate with each other to provide secure yet mobile support. On steel surfaces, the central magnet serves to pull in at least the center of the suction cup, thus relieving the forces tending to release the peripheral portions of the suction cup. When rubber magnet material is used for the suction cup, the attractive forces and the holding power of the base portion are much greater.

There has been disclosed heretofore the best embodiments of the invention presently contemplated and it is to be understood that various changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is: I

1. An improved, lightweight, high intensity lamp adapted to be removably secured to a planar surface, said lamp comprising:

(a) a base portion having mounting means to secure the lamp to a planar surface, said mounting means being defined by a resilient, suction cup member including magnetic particles dispersed therein;

(b) a socket adapted to releasably receive a light bulb for operation of the light bulb at a specified low voltage;

(c) means to join said socket to said base portion;

(d) a line cord having one end in electrical connection with said socket;

(e) a stepdown transformer including a low voltage winding and a high voltage winding, said low voltage winding being connected to the said line cord; and

(f) means for connecting said high voltage winding to a source of electrical power to thereby cause said low voltage winding to have an output potential at the specified low voltage.

2. The apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said means joining said socket to said base portion is a universal joint whereby said socket is piv-otable and rotatable with respect to said base portion.

3. The apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said means joining said socket to said base portion comprises at least one elongated arm and at least one universal joint at one end of said arm.

4. The apparatus in accordance with claim 3 wherein said arm is comprised of plural sections, at least two of said arm sections being hingedly connected to each other.

5. The apparatus in accordance with claim 3 including a plurality of said arms, each of said arms comprising a plurality of telescoping sections.

6. The apparatus in accordance with claim Zincluding a light bulb having a reflective surface integral with the envelope thereof.

7. The apparatus in accordance with claim 2 wherein said transformer is integral with said means for connect- 6 ing said high voltage winding to a source of electrical power.

8. The apparatus in accordance with claim 2 wherein said transformer is integral with said line cord.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,637,046 7/1927 Montsinger 240 1,641,880 9/1927 Cohen 240-52.2 X 2,395,178 2/ 1946 Fiori 240-81 2,748,258 5/1956 Henning 240-52.15 X 2,886,664 5/1959 Graubner 240-52.15 X 2,959,832 11/1960 Baermann 335-303 X 3,026,409 3/1962 Deisch 240-81 X FOREIGN PATENTS 911,834 4/1946 France. 889,322 9/ 1953 Germany.

20 NORTON ANSHER, Primary Examiner.

D. L. JACOBSON, Assistant Examiner. 

1. AN IMPROVED LIGHTWEIGHT, HIGH INTENSITY LAMP ADAPTED TO BE REMOVABLY SECURED TO A PLANAR SURFACE, SAID LAMP COMPRISING: (A) A BASE PORTION HAVING MOUNTING MEANS TO SECURE THE LAMP TO A PLANAR SURFACE, SAID MOUNTING MEANS BEING DEFINED BY A RESILIENT, SUCTION CUP MEMBER INCLUDING MAGNETIC PARTICLES DISPERSED THEREIN; (B) A SOCKET ADAPTED TO RELEASABLY RECEIVE A LIGHT BULB FOR OPERATION OF THE LIGHT BULB AT A SPECIFIED LOW VOLTAGE; (C) MEANS TO JOIN SAID SOCKET TO SAID BASE PORTION; (D) A LINE CORD HAVING ONE END IN ELECTRICAL CONNECTION WITH SAID SOCKET; (E) A STEPDOWN TRANSFORMER INCLUDING A LOW VOLTAGE WINDING AND A HIGH VOLTAGE WINDING, SAID LOW VOLTAGE WINDING BEING CONNECTED TO SAID LINE CORD; AND (F) MEANS FOR CONNECTING SAID HIGH VOLTAGE WINDING TO A SOURCE OF ELECTRICAL POWER TO THEREBY CAUSE SAID LOW VOLTAGE WINDING TO HAVE AN OUTPUT POTENTIAL AT THE SPECIFIED LOW VOLTAGE. 